I arrived in China expecting to see a country catching up to the West. Instead, I found a level of speed, convenience, and technology that completely changed my perspective. From paying with your palm in a convenience store to high-speed rail, cashless payments, and everyday innovations, this trip challenged many of the assumptions I had before visiting. In this video, I explore modern China and share the experiences that made me realise I was wrong. May 2026 | Vlog 618 | Shenzhen, China 21/34 China Provinces When we finally started our adventure
In Shenzhen, Reanne and Ben experience mind‑blowing speed: palm payments, robot hotels, and 14‑minute food delivery, challenging their assumptions about China.
In Shenzhen, Reanne and Ben discover a China that runs on speed and convenience. From palm payments to robot hotel services, 14-minute food deliveries, and streets where every shop is buzzing, they realize the country isn't catching up—it's already ahead. A mind‑opening look at daily life that challenges Western assumptions.
I arrived in China expecting to see a country catching up to the West. Instead, I found a level of speed, convenience, and technology that completely changed my perspective. From paying with your palm in a convenience store to high-speed rail, cashless payments, and everyday innovations, this trip...
Shenzhen Speed: Cashless Payments, Robot Hotels & Food Delivery
This vlog shatters stereotypes as the traveler experiences China's futuristic efficiency firsthand. From palm payment in a convenience store to lightning-fast high-speed rail, every moment challenges preconceived notions. Shenzhen emerges as a hub of innovation, leaving the traveler in awe of how seamlessly technology integrates into daily life. A must-watch for anyone curious about modern China.
Reanne and Ben, the travelers behind OTWD, set out to test whether China really is faster than the West. Their first stop is a convenience store where they pay with a simple palm scan, experiencing cashless payments that take seconds. Next, they order a taxi via Didi, which arrives in under two minutes for a 24‑km ride costing just £5. At the hotel, check‑in is lightning fast—no deposit required, and a robot delivers items to their room. They then hop on shared bikes linked to WeChat, paying only 3.5 yuan for a half‑hour ride through Shenzhen’s chaotic streets. A coffee shop called Mstand lets them order ahead, and they even order two pairs of earphones via Meituan, which arrive in six minutes. The metro is equally impressive: trains every minute during rush hour, with QR code entry and security checks that don’t slow things down. At Dongmen Pedestrian Street, they discover solar‑powered phone‑charging bollards and the first McDonald’s in mainland China. The highlight is dinner: three different food deliveries arrive in just 14 minutes, including hot noodles and ice cream, all for 22 yuan. Throughout the day, the pair marvel at the safety, efficiency, and sheer convenience—from not worrying about pickpockets to seeing a cleaning robot outside. Their conclusion: China’s infrastructure and tech have created a level of speed that makes the West feel sluggish.
